United Kingdom News Highlights, 31 July 2025: Drone incidents in UK prisons increase by 43% in one year, new figures show

Whitbread PLC, the owner of Premier Inn, has secured planning permission to convert an 11-storey office block in Vauxhall, Central London, into a 180-bedroom hotel, according to a report in Hospitality Net. The conversion will adapt the building's interior to house various room formats, including its Premier Plus rooms. The new hotel will also feature a restaurant for guests on the mezzanine floor.

The number of drone incidents reported in prisons across the United Kingdom has risen by 43% over the past year, according to a report in Sky News. The new government data encompasses various occurrences, including sightings of drones near prisons, thwarted delivery attempts, and successful drops of contraband. Drones are primarily used to smuggle prohibited items such as drugs, mobile phones, and weapons into correctional facilities.

The UK government is providing a £1 billion loan guarantee to support Ford's global expansion, The Manufacturer says in a report. This initiative is part of the government's "Plan for Change" and is intended to safeguard skilled jobs, drive export growth, and strengthen the UK's role in the global automotive market. Ford employs more than 5,500 people in the UK and has recently invested £380 million to adapt its Halewood plant for electric motor manufacturing and £70 million in its Essex research and development facilities.

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has renewed its Embedded Engineering Resource Framework for another four years to increase its capacity to source technical talent from industry, according to a report in Open Access Government. The renewal is intended to support the UKAEA's goal of advancing the development of fusion energy by providing access to a wider pool of engineering expertise.

The Liberal Democrats in the UK are calling for the implementation of an 8% cap on the profits of private schools that cater to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), according to a report in BBC. The party states that this measure is needed to stop public money intended for vulnerable children's education from being excessively directed towards shareholder profits. The proposal has been made in the context of rising SEND deficits faced by local authorities and increasing reliance on costly private sector provision to meet growing demand.

The UK's Labour Party has announced a plan to build 40,000 new homes by developing disused brownfield railway sites into what it calls 'vibrant neighbourhoods', i news says in a report. This initiative is presented as a response to the national housing crisis and is part of Labour's broader commitment to build 1.5 million homes over a five-year period. The plan focuses on redeveloping previously used land, though the proposed 40,000 homes represent a small portion of the party's larger housing targets.

The United Kingdom's vital intelligence-sharing relationship with Israel is set to continue uninterrupted despite diplomatic friction over the UK's stance on the Gaza conflict, according to a report in i news. The long-standing security cooperation, which has reportedly protected Britons from terror attacks, is considered resilient enough to withstand high-level political disagreements between the two governments. This comes as the Israeli government has expressed anger over what it perceives as an ultimatum from the UK regarding its military conduct in Gaza. Nevertheless, officials believe the pragmatic security ties that are crucial for counter-terrorism will be maintained.

The UK Home Office spent £50 million on a project to convert the RAF Scampton base into an asylum accommodation centre, but the facility was never used and did not house a single asylum seeker, according to a report in i news. The expenditure was incurred on the plans, which have since been scrapped. The site is historically significant as the former home of the 'Dam Busters' RAF squadron.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced he will consider all options, including legal action, to challenge the UK government's plan for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, according to a report in The Independent. The move signals a significant challenge to the major infrastructure project, with Khan citing environmental and local concerns as the basis for his opposition. This action highlights a potential conflict between London's mayoral office and the central government's policy on national aviation capacity.

The lawyer for UK Labour MP Tulip Siddiq has reportedly been denied any information regarding a legal case against her in Bangladesh, according to a report in Sky News. The denial of information to her legal representative is the central development, as the specific details or charges of the case have not been disclosed by Bangladeshi authorities. Siddiq is the current Member of Parliament for the Hampstead and Kilburn constituency.

Anneliese Dodds, a former Labour shadow chancellor, has stated the Treasury should consider a wealth tax to address the growing gap in the UK's public finances. Dodds, who served in the role under current Labour leader Keir Starmer, argued that ministers need to have a "full and frank discussion" with the public about the "really big decisions" required for the upcoming autumn budget.

A British father, Lee Beard, has issued a public warning after nearly being defrauded of £30,000 through a scam initiated by a Google search, Daily Mail said in a report. After searching online for a customer service number, Beard called a fraudulent line where a professional-sounding call handler used convincing security checks to gain his trust. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of sophisticated online fraud in the UK, where scammers can manipulate search engine results to appear legitimate.

An owner of an XL Bully dog in the UK has been sentenced to jail after the animal attacked an eight-year-old boy, Caio Shaw, and bit off his thumb, Daily Mail said in a report. The court heard testimony from the child about the attack, which took place in August of the previous year. The sentencing comes after the UK government implemented a ban on the XL Bully breed, which came into full effect in February 2024, making it illegal to own one without an exemption.

Mamadou Alion Diallo, an asylum seeker, allegedly attacked fellow asylum seeker Zenabou Quedraogo in the Heston Hyde Hotel in Hounslow, London, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The incident, which reportedly involved strangulation and punching, occurred in the hotel where both individuals were being housed as part of the UK's asylum accommodation system. Diallo has since been charged in connection with the assault.

James Cartwright has been convicted at Guildford Crown Court of the rape and murder of his ex-fiancee, Samantha Mickleburgh, at a luxury hotel in Surrey, according to a report in Daily Mail. The court found Cartwright guilty of the attack, which occurred after Mickleburgh had agreed to stay in his hotel room so he would not be alone on his birthday.

The Band of the Coldstream Guards performed a rendition of the Black Sabbath song 'Paranoid' outside Buckingham Palace in London, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The military band played the classic 1970s heavy metal song as a tribute to the band's frontman, Ozzy Osbourne. The performance by the famed guards took place in a public area outside the royal residence.

The funeral for former Conservative minister Norman Tebbit, who died on July 7 at the age of 94, took place on Thursday, according to a report in the Daily Mail. Tebbit was a prominent figure in UK politics and was known as one of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's closest political allies during her time in office. The service was attended by senior figures from the Conservative Party to pay their respects.

A pair of reading glasses that belonged to former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill are being put up for sale, the Daily Mail says in a report. The round-rimmed, tortoiseshell glasses were made for the historical wartime leader by the London-based opticians C W Dixey and Sons.

A road junction in Finchampstead, Berkshire, that underwent a £5.5 million redevelopment by Wokingham Borough Council has been nominated for a design award, as per a report in Daily Mail. The project, completed last year, was intended to make the area more "pedestrian-friendly" and features a large oak leaf design painted on the road surface. However, the unconventional layout has reportedly caused confusion among drivers.

The Metropolitan Police are urgently searching for a mother and her newborn baby to ensure their welfare, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The appeal was launched after a woman reportedly gave birth in the Billet Road underpass in Walthamstow, east London, around 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Following the birth, the woman and baby were reportedly picked up by men in a Transit van.

A prisoner named Joe Outlaw, who is serving an indefinite Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence, is currently on trial for staging a rooftop protest at the maximum-security HMP Frankland, The Independent says in a report. During the trial, Outlaw claimed his protest was a response to being 'stripped naked and starved' and described his indefinite sentence as 'soul destroying'. IPP sentences were a form of indeterminate sentence in England and Wales introduced in 2005 and abolished for new cases in 2012, but the change was not applied retrospectively, leaving many prisoners still serving these terms.

A record number of foreign sex offenders are being held in prisons in England and Wales, with the total reaching 1,731 as of June 2025, according to a report in the Daily Mail. This figure represents a 9.9% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. The data highlights a significant rise in this specific category of foreign-national inmates within the prison system.

British artist Shantell Martin has won a £150,000 settlement in a court fight with an Argentinian winery after suing the company for copyright infringement, according to a report in Daily Mail. Martin, who is internationally recognized for her distinctive black and white murals and has had collaborations with brands such as Adidas and Puma, alleged that the winery copied her unique style for its Malbec wine labels. The legal victory secures the financial settlement and upholds the artist's intellectual property rights over her work.

UK-based chip designer Arm is exploring a strategic shift to design its own semiconductors, a move that would represent a significant change to its traditional business model of licensing intellectual property, the Financial Times says in a report. According to its chief executive, the potential new direction for the SoftBank-owned company would alter its long-standing practice of licensing chip architecture to other firms and could place it in more direct competition with some of its key customers.

A 38-year-old man from the United Kingdom died in Istanbul after undergoing a hair transplant on Monday at a private clinic named CINIK, located in the city's Besiktas neighbourhood. Turkish authorities have reportedly launched an investigation into the clinic following the incident.

Homicides and self-harm incidents have risen sharply in UK prisons, with an act of self-harm recorded every seven minutes over the last year, according to a report in The Independent. Official Ministry of Justice figures for the year to June 2025 show a significant increase in violence, which is linked to a deepening overcrowding crisis that has placed immense pressure on facilities and staff. The statistics highlight deteriorating safety and conditions within the prison system.

A 62-year-old British man faces a potential multi-year prison sentence in Singapore for allegedly making a death threat to another passenger on a flight that originated in London, the Daily Mail said in a report. The man is accused of engaging in a racist tirade, during which he allegedly told an Israeli passenger, "You are Israeli, f off, I'll kill you." The incident has resulted in the man's prosecution under Singaporean law.

An outbreak of Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) has been reported at Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire, according to a report in Daily Mail. The disease was discovered on the farm, with at least one infected cow reportedly pregnant with twins.

A doctor who worked with former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby has successfully won a High Court claim against their employer for breach of contract, according to a report in The Independent. The civil case centered on an internal investigation conducted by the NHS trust into the doctor's hospital visits. The court's ruling found that the trust had failed to adhere to the terms of the doctor's employment contract during its probe, focusing on the procedural failings of the investigation rather than the substance of any clinical concerns.

An investigation has been launched after a human body was found in a medieval cave at Hangman's Woods in Grays, Essex. Police officers were called to the scene, a series of ancient man-made caves known as deneholes, on Tuesday afternoon after a member of the public reported discovering the corpse. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances of the death.

A fire-damaged, four-bedroom house in the village of Cockerham, Lancashire, received 108 bids at auction, according to a report in Daily Mail. The property requires extensive renovation, and potential buyers were reportedly drawn to the opportunity to restore it.

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz has been found guilty of assaulting two police officers at Manchester airport, according to a report in The Independent. The verdict was delivered at Liverpool Crown Court.

A legal challenge in the High Court against the registration of England's first private gender clinic for teenagers has failed, according to a report in BBC. The case, initiated by a former nurse, contested the decision by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to register the healthcare provider. The court's ruling effectively upholds the CQC's administrative decision, which found that the clinic meets the necessary regulatory standards for quality and safety to operate legally.

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has set a deadline for car finance firms to submit data related to an investigation into potential widespread mis-selling, according to a report in The Independent. The probe centers on now-banned "discretionary commission arrangements" (DCAs), a practice where brokers could increase customer interest rates to earn higher commissions, which was outlawed in 2021. Millions of consumers who purchased cars on finance may be eligible for compensation, prompting consumer advocate Martin Lewis to warn the case could have significant ramifications across the economy. The current deadline is for firms to report to the FCA, not for consumer claims, and the situation is drawing comparisons to the past Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) mis-selling scandal.

Police are conducting a search for a man who reportedly sexually assaulted an eight-year-old boy at a campsite in Drumnadrochit, Scotland, according to a report in BBC. The attack occurred while the boy was camping with his family. Authorities have launched an investigation and are appealing to the public for information to help trace the suspect.

Sylvia Young, founder of the eponymous London theatre school, has died at 85, according to a report in The Guardian. Established in 1981, her school became a prominent training ground for British talent in music, theatre, and television. Notable alumni include singers Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora, and Emma Bunton, as well as actors such as Keeley Hawes and Billie Piper. The school also supplied many of the original young cast members for the BBC soap opera EastEnders during its first decade.

An independent review of the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has revealed a culture where staff fear speaking up about concerns, according to a report in The Guardian. The report, commissioned amidst an ongoing police investigation into at least 90 deaths at the trust, found that employees, including senior staff, were often "ignored, dismissed and sometimes ridiculed" by management when they raised issues. This has created a climate of fear, deterring staff from reporting problems.

A man was reportedly stabbed multiple times with a kitchen knife in what witnesses described as an unprovoked attack in London's Mayfair district, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Brook's Mews, a street located behind the Claridge's hotel. Following the attack, police cordoned off the area as part of their investigation.

TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson stated he is 'devastated' after bovine tuberculosis (TB) was discovered at his Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, according to a report in BBC. The discovery of the infectious disease on the well-known farm highlights the ongoing agricultural challenge of bTB in the UK, which typically leads to compulsory animal culling and movement restrictions as part of a national eradication strategy.

A murder investigation is underway in Leeds after a three-year-old girl was found deceased in a home, The Independent said in a report. West Yorkshire Police were called to the property where they discovered the child's body. A woman who was also found inside the home has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.

UK supermarket Asda has issued an urgent recall for a faulty gadget due to concerns that its battery may overheat and pose a potential fire risk, The Independent says in a report. The retailer has warned consumers about the safety issue associated with the product's battery component. Customers are being alerted to the potential danger of the device and have been advised to cease using it.

A 76-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering poison after eight children at a summer camp in Stathern, Leicestershire, were taken to the hospital as a precaution, according to a report in The Guardian. Police and ambulance services were called to the rural camp after receiving a report that several children felt unwell. All eight children have since been discharged.

British children's author Allan Ahlberg has passed away at the age of 87, BBC said in a report. Throughout his career, Ahlberg wrote more than 150 books, with well-known works including 'The Jolly Postman' and 'Each Peach Pear Plum'.

The first farmer-led program in the UK to vaccinate badgers against tuberculosis is beginning in Cornwall in an effort to prevent transmission of the disease to cattle, according to a report in The Guardian. The initiative is notable because it marks a collaboration between farmers and scientists, groups that have historically been at odds over the controversial policy of badger culling. The three-year trial will involve 70 farms where farmers, trained by scientists, will trap, test, and vaccinate badgers. A prior pilot study of the vaccination approach demonstrated its effectiveness, with TB rates in the badger population falling from 16% to zero over a four-year period.

The UK government has appointed Mary-Ann Stephenson as the new chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), despite objections from parliament’s equalities committee regarding her breadth of experience. Stephenson, currently the chair of the Women’s Budget Group, is set to begin her role in December. Her responsibilities will include implementing guidance on transgender rights following a Supreme Court judgment related to the definition of a woman under the Equality Act.

At the Glorious Goodwood festival in the United Kingdom, the horse Whirl, ridden by jockey Ryan Moore, won the Group One Nassau Stakes by five lengths, according to a report in The Guardian. Officials were forced to dispense with the starting stalls and use a flag start for the first time in a British Group One race because of lightning in the area. A sustained downpour also significantly altered the course conditions, changing the ground from good to heavy in less than an hour.

The average annual cost for a nanny in London has now surpassed £50,000, according to a report in the Financial Times. This surge in pay is attributed to wage growth among the households that employ nannies and the increasing popularity of 'hybrid' nannies, who are hired to perform additional services beyond standard childcare duties. The rising expense highlights the significant cost pressures for childcare services within the UK capital.

The UK government has approved the construction of the Berwick Bank offshore wind farm, which is poised to become the country's largest, the Financial Times said in a report. The project's consent had faced delays due to resistance from environmentalists concerned about its potential impact on marine ecosystems and bird populations. The approval represents a significant step towards the UK's Net Zero targets and its energy security strategy, which aims to increase domestic renewable energy production.

The UK's energy regulator, Ofgem, has launched a consultation on a significant overhaul of the country's energy pricing structure, which could include setting bills based on a household's wealth or ability to pay, according to a report in Financial Times. The regulator is seeking feedback on the proposals, which are a response to the severe cost of living crisis and sustained high energy costs that have made bills unaffordable for many. This move suggests a potential shift away from temporary government support schemes towards a more fundamental, long-term change in how energy is priced for consumers.

Shares in UK aero-engineer Rolls-Royce have reached a record high, prompting the company to raise its profit outlook amid strong demand for its engines, according to a report in the Financial Times. The positive performance was also seen in the wider aerospace sector, as French company Safran similarly saw its shares jump after it too raised its profit forecast.

Adrian Mardell, the chief executive of UK-based luxury car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover, will retire from his position after three years in charge, according to a report in the Financial Times. Mardell's tenure included overseeing the company's recent rebranding and new advertising campaign. The departure represents a leadership transition at one of the UK's most prominent automotive companies.

London-based advisory and broking firm Willis Towers Watson announced a second-quarter net income of $331 million, or $3.32 per share, AP said in a report. Adjusted for one-time costs and gains, earnings were $2.86 per share, surpassing the average Wall Street estimate of $2.65 per share. The company also posted total revenue of $2.26 billion for the period.

A youth prison in the United Kingdom has been placed into special measures after a critical Ofsted inspection revealed severe safety and welfare failures, according to a report in Sky News. The inspection found that suicidal children were not seen by mental health experts for as long as 12 days. Other significant issues identified included the inappropriate mixing of medicines and instances where some young inmates "experienced unintentional pain." The "special measures" designation by the government inspectorate signifies that the facility is failing significantly and requires urgent, intensive intervention to address the problems.

Tony Hewitt, a local councillor in the United Kingdom, has officially resigned from his position, citing personal reasons related to his wife's participation in a flower show, according to a report in BBC. Hewitt stated that his wife's happiness was more important than his role on the council. The resignation creates a vacancy in his ward, which will likely trigger a by-election to elect a new representative, incurring administrative and financial costs for the local authority.

The new BBC reality show 'Destination X', hosted by Rob Brydon, has garnered a mixed reception from critics, HuffPost says in a report. The competition series, which sees contestants travel to mystery locations across Europe and attempt to guess where they are, has been compared by reviewers to other popular UK shows like 'The Traitors' and 'Race Across The World'. While some critics have praised the show as promising and entertaining, others have described it as a 'convoluted mess' and criticized its budget, with one review noting it was on a 'road to nowhere'.

The future of the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI), a programme co-founded by actor Angelina Jolie and former Foreign Secretary William Hague in 2012, is now in doubt, according to a report in The Independent. Concerns have emerged following UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer's policy to maintain the foreign aid budget at 0.5% of Gross National Income, a reduction previously implemented by the Conservative government. This continued cap on spending has led to uncertainty about the funding for specific, high-profile humanitarian schemes like the PSVI.

West Ham forward Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of spot-fixing allegations after an independent panel found the charges against him were not proven, according to a report in AP. The English Football Association (FA) confirmed on Thursday that its Regulatory Commission concluded the case against the Brazil international following a hearing. Paqueta had been accused of intentionally getting booked in matches to manipulate betting markets and had consistently denied the charges.

Forcing UK pension funds to buy domestic stocks is "unnecessary," London Stock Exchange Group chief executive David Schwimmer has stated, according to a report in the Financial Times. Schwimmer argued against potential government mandates, suggesting instead that tax benefits would be a more effective way to encourage domestic investment in the UK's public markets. His comments address the ongoing debate on how to channel more capital from the country's pension schemes into UK businesses to boost economic growth, positioning incentives as a better alternative to compulsion.

UK Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has pushed back against legal experts who have raised concerns about the legality of a future Labour government unilaterally recognising a Palestinian state, according to a report in BBC. Reynolds asserted that lawyers who claim the move could be illegal are "missing the point," framing the potential recognition as a political and diplomatic act aimed at advancing a two-state solution. The statement highlights the opposition Labour Party's developing foreign policy stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The United Kingdom, alongside 13 allies including the United States and France, issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning what they described as a surge in assassination, kidnapping, and harassment plots by Iranian intelligence services, according to a report in Reuters. The coalition of 14 nations stated their united opposition to these alleged attempts by Iran to target individuals located in Europe and North America.

During a phone-in segment on LBC radio, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was confronted by a father whose son had died, according to a report in the Mirror. The father, identified as George, told Farage that the provisions within the UK's Online Safety Act were a matter of "life and death for families like mine," directly challenging the politician on the legislation designed to protect children from online harm.

The chief executive of the UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS), Martin Rolfe, has been called in for questioning by the transport secretary amid growing pressure for his resignation, The Independent says in a report. The scrutiny follows a significant technical failure in the air traffic control system in August 2023, which resulted in widespread flight cancellations and severe disruption at UK airports. Airline Ryanair has been prominent in calling for Rolfe to step down, holding NATS leadership accountable for the chaos and its impact on passengers and airlines.

Revenue from the UK's Inheritance Tax (IHT) hit a record £6.7 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal year, as per a report in the Financial Times. The increase in tax receipts is attributed to the government's decision to freeze the tax-free thresholds until 2028, combined with high inflation and rising asset values, particularly in the property market. This 'fiscal drag' effect means more estates are being pulled into the 40% tax bracket, increasing the overall revenue for the state without a direct change in the tax rate. Despite the record figure, IHT affects a relatively small portion of estates, historically around 4-7% annually.

Pope Francis has decided to bestow one of the Catholic Church's highest honors on John Henry Newman, an influential 19th-century British figure who converted from Anglicanism, as per a report in AP. The Vatican announced on Thursday that Newman will be declared a 'doctor' of the church, a title recognizing saints whose writings have significantly contributed to theology. The decision was confirmed during an audience with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, the prefect of the Vatican’s saint-making office, and will be made official soon.

Four arrests were made following a major security operation for US President Donald Trump's visit to the UK, according to a report in BBC. The large-scale deployment involved a total of 7,341 officers to manage the event. The force comprised 6,144 officers from Police Scotland, supplemented by an additional 1,197 officers from other police forces across the United Kingdom.

Mick Whelan, the General Secretary of the train drivers' union ASLEF, said that doctors should earn more money than train drivers, as per a report in The Independent. Whelan expressed that there is not enough respect for the skillset of doctors and suggested they should be asking for an even larger pay increase. His comments come amid ongoing public sector pay disputes and industrial action across the United Kingdom.

In an indicative vote held by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), 91% of its members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have rejected their 3.6% pay award for the year, as per a report in The Guardian. The union has warned that unless ministers improve the salary offer, it will proceed with a ballot for industrial action later in the year.

The UK's Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, has stated that a technical failure at the National Air Traffic Services (Nats) which led to over 150 flight cancellations and numerous delays on Wednesday was an "isolated event" with "no evidence of malign activity," according to a report in The Guardian. Harper confirmed he met with Nats chief executive Martin Rolfe to understand the cause of the disruption and discuss how to prevent a similar incident from happening again. The disruption was the latest technical issue to affect the UK's air traffic control service.

A new survey of 13,000 secondary school pupils in Scotland has found that one-third of boys believe girls wearing revealing clothes are "asking for trouble," according to a report in HuffPost. The study, conducted by the University of Glasgow, also revealed that nearly one in four boys (24%) think sexual harassment "doesn't count" if meant as a joke, compared to 7% of girls. The findings align with other recent UK surveys showing a rise in sexist behaviour in schools, with teachers expressing concern over the influence of online misogyny. A UCL report cited in the article suggests social media algorithms amplifying extreme content contribute to normalizing these attitudes among young people.

Four in ten adults in the United Kingdom are putting off having children or deciding against it entirely because they cannot afford it, The Independent says in a report. This trend coincides with birth rates in the country reaching record lows. The primary driver cited for this decision is the high cost of living, which includes significant expenses for housing and childcare, making it financially challenging for many prospective parents to start or expand their families.

A medical union in the United Kingdom has raised concerns about potential unemployment for resident doctors, stating that a lack of sufficient training places is preventing them from securing suitable positions to advance their careers, BBC says in a report. The union claims that after completing initial medical training, these doctors are facing a career bottleneck. It is calling for an increase in the number of specialty training posts to ensure the National Health Service can effectively utilize its trained medical professionals.

A report commissioned by Scottish ministers has found that Scotland's Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is 'more compassionate' than the benefits system used in the rest of the UK, according to a report in BBC. The ADP is the devolved benefit that replaced the UK government's Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland. While the report praised the Scottish system's approach, which is administered by Social Security Scotland, it also concluded that the system needs to be simplified for users.

Cash ISA providers in the UK are offering increased interest rates ahead of an anticipated Bank of England base rate cut on August 7, according to a report in Daily Mail. The new rates being offered are expected to allow savers to earn returns that exceed the central bank's base rate over the course of the next 12 months, even if a cut is implemented. This market activity reflects competition among savings providers to attract funds.

Jess Glynne has stated she is "sick" after the US White House used her song "Hold My Hand" in a social media video about migrant deportations, according to a report in HuffPost. The post on the platform X used the song, which is part of a viral UK-based TikTok trend involving airline Jet2, to accompany footage of deportees with the caption, "When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation." Glynne responded on Instagram, stating her music is about "love, unity, and spreading positivity – never about division or hate." The song was originally released in 2015 and has long been associated with UK airline Jet2's advertising campaigns.

The independent charity IPPR has launched a new taskforce in the UK to examine and reform the system for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), according to a report in HuffPost. Chaired by Geoff Barton, the former general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, the taskforce will set out principles for reform amid rising demand and costs, with nearly 640,000 children relying on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) as of January 2024. The initiative follows a government announcement of a SEND overhaul that has caused concern among parents over the future of EHCPs. The taskforce's recommendations are expected this autumn and will be shared ahead of a government White Paper on the issue.

The Co-op is expanding into the takeaway food market with plans for hundreds of new small 'Co-op On The Go' stores to challenge outlets like Greggs and Subway, according to a report in The Guardian. The new shops will offer hot food, including pizza and fried chicken, alongside sandwiches, ready meals, and home essentials. The first outlet is set to open in Solihull on Thursday, with an additional 14 locations, including five in London, planned for the current year.

Downing Street has hosted its first-ever formal reception for online content creators and influencers, a strategic move to engage directly with voters, particularly younger demographics, the Financial Times says in a report. The event is a response to the continuing decline in traditional media consumption and the rise of social media as a primary source of information. By engaging with these creators, the government aims to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and deliver its message directly to audiences in an increasingly diversified digital environment.

A UK-based veterinarian, known online as Ben the Vet, has reacted to a viral social media trend in which cats are forcibly bathed, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The vet described the trend as 'disappointing' after viewing a clip of a stressed cat, warning that the experience leaves the animals 'panicking and stressed'. His public warning highlights concerns over animal welfare being compromised for online content.

Lloyds Bank has restored its services following a three-hour outage on Friday morning that prevented thousands of customers in the UK from accessing their accounts on payday, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The technical crash primarily affected the bank's mobile app, leaving many Britons unable to access their funds. The service is now back online after being down for approximately three hours.

An independent school in Derbyshire, Mount St Mary's College, has shut down with immediate effect, stating it could no longer remain financially viable, as per a report in the Daily Mail. The school attributed the closure to rising operational costs and the potential impact of the Labour Party's proposed policy to add a 20% VAT on private school fees. This policy, which is not yet law, is part of Labour's platform and is cited by the school as a key factor in its decision.

Police in North Yorkshire are investigating the deaths of a man and a woman whose bodies were found at the bottom of cliffs near Whitby Abbey on Wednesday evening, according to a report in the Daily Mail. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene at approximately 7:16 PM after a local resident spotted the bodies on the rocks below and alerted authorities. The investigation into the circumstances of the deaths is ongoing.

A new analysis has revealed the most and least expensive market towns across the United Kingdom for first-time buyers, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The findings underscore the significant financial hurdles facing those aspiring to own a home in picturesque towns, where soaring property prices are increasingly placing such locations out of reach for new entrants to the housing market.

Queen Camilla has granted a Royal Warrant to the British handbag and leather goods company Launer London, a brand that was famously associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The appointment serves as an official mark of recognition for the company's long-standing supply of goods to the Royal Household. This is one of the first such warrants to be granted by Queen Camilla, continuing the royal tradition of patronizing British heritage brands.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded that the dominant market positions of Amazon and Microsoft in cloud computing are having an adverse effect on competition, Reuters said in a report. A CMA inquiry group stated on Thursday that the problem is exacerbated by technical and commercial barriers that prevent customers from easily switching providers. The group has recommended that the regulator should investigate whether to formally designate the two tech giants, a move that could lead to new pro-competition rules under proposed legislation.

Muhammad was the most popular name given to baby boys in England and Wales for the second year in a row in 2024, according to a report in Daily Mail. Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates that 5,721 boys were given that specific spelling of the name during the year. This figure represents a 23% increase from the number recorded in the previous year.

The artists for the 166th edition of the Royal Photographic Society’s international photography exhibition have been announced, according to a report in The Guardian. The event, which is the world's longest-running photography exhibition, will have its works on display at the Saatchi Gallery in London from August 5 to September 18, 2025.

The wreck of the 17th-century British warship HMS Northumberland has been exposed by shifting sands off the coast of Kent, prompting an urgent effort to study the well-preserved vessel, according to a report in The Guardian. The ship was originally built in 1679 as part of a naval modernization program overseen by administrator Samuel Pepys. After participating in several major naval battles, HMS Northumberland sank during the Great Storm of 1703, one of Britain's most severe historical weather events.

The animal rights charity PETA has stated that current footwear labelling in the UK is misleading for consumers trying to avoid animal-derived products, according to a report in The Guardian. The group has urged the UK business secretary to update the legislation, which currently allows animal-based materials like wool to be grouped under the general category of "textile." Under existing UK law, all footwear must be labelled to show the main materials—comprising at least 80%—of the upper, the lining and sock, and the outer sole. PETA's campaign aims to provide greater transparency for shoppers who want to identify and avoid materials derived from animals.

British athlete and world indoor 400m champion Amber Anning is preparing to compete as the favourite and defending champion at the British trials in Birmingham this weekend, according to a report in The Guardian. The event serves as the qualifier for the world championships scheduled for September in Tokyo. Anning is seeking to secure her place after the disappointment of not being selected for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics team, despite being in the relay pool.

Britain's media regulator, Ofcom, has initiated formal investigations into four companies—8579 LLC, AVS Group Ltd, Kick Online Entertainment S.A., and Trendio Ltd—which collectively operate 34 pornography websites, Reuters said in a report. The probe, launched on Thursday, aims to determine if these companies have implemented "highly effective" age-verification systems as required by new UK rules that recently came into force.

London-based oil and gas company Shell plc announced a second-quarter net income of $3.6 billion, with a profit of $1.20 per share, as per a report in AP. The company's earnings, when adjusted for non-recurring costs, were $1.42 per share, surpassing Wall Street expectations which averaged $1.13 per share. Shell also posted total revenues of $66.44 billion for the period.

A yellow thunderstorm warning has been put into effect for parts of southern England on the morning of July 31, according to a report in Sky News. The Met Office, the UK's national weather service, issued the warning, which signals the potential for disruption due to heavy rain, lightning, and hail in the affected regions.

A new report has concluded that the UK healthcare system failed to listen to the family of a five-year-old boy who died after being sent home from a hospital because of a "lack of beds," according to a report in Sky News. The boy's mother stated that this second report into his death has not brought closure for the family, highlighting ongoing concerns about systemic failures and patient safety.

An employment tribunal in the United Kingdom has awarded £5,500 to Sean McGhie, a worker at a Scottish removals firm, after his manager intentionally excluded him from a workplace food order, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The ruling suggests that deliberately leaving out a colleague when buying food for the team can be considered unlawful. The case centered on an incident where the manager purchased items from a burger van for every other worker except McGhie, leading to the successful legal claim.

Two children, a boy aged 13 and a girl aged 11, have died after getting into difficulty in the water at a beach in the United Kingdom, according to a report in The Sun. The beach was reportedly marked with yellow flags at the time, which indicates moderate hazards and advises swimmers to be cautious. The children's father made a desperate attempt to save them, and police later described the tragic rescue effort.

BBC Radio 2 has lost nearly half a million listeners since its weekday schedule was relaunched, according to a report in the Evening Standard. The decline has resulted in the station recording its lowest weekly audience figures since the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A man has been charged with murder following the death of a 21-year-old woman in Batley, United Kingdom, the Evening Standard said in a report. The victim, identified as Courtney Angus, was discovered deceased at an address on Norfolk Street on Saturday, prompting a police investigation that has now led to the charge.

Nationwide has gained one million net current account customers from its rivals since the Current Account Switch Service was launched, driven by financial incentives for new customers, according to a report in the Daily Mail. New figures show the building society is leading in attracting consumers who use the industry-wide service, which was designed to make changing banks easier. The growth is largely attributed to Nationwide's strategy of offering cash rewards to people who switch their primary accounts.

More than 200 newlywed couples in the UK are still without their wedding footage after hiring Kent-based company Wallflower Weddings, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The videos were seized by police as part of a fraud investigation into the company's owner, Sarah Stanton. Despite the investigation concluding and Stanton being cleared, the couples have not received their videos or refunds, leaving them without the recordings of their wedding day.

Jakob Walpole is accused of fatally attacking his 81-year-old grandfather in Warwickshire. Shortly after the initial incident, Walpole was reportedly filmed at a local working men's club where he is alleged to have assaulted another patron. The second attack, which involved glassing the individual, reportedly occurred after Walpole was confronted for boasting about the earlier fatal assault on his grandfather.